Glasgow Americana 3rd – 7th October 2012

This year’s Glasgow Americana Festival will spend a weekend in celebration of Austin, Texas.

And the first act to be unveiled is brilliant singer/songwriter, Sam Baker, a self-confessed sucker for stories whose own are more gripping, insightful, gently witty and pungent than most.

Sam returns for his 5th visit to the city to play the CCA on the afternoon of Saturday, October 6. His CD releases have won him plenty of admirers as his compelling and beguiling songs thrive in an intimate live setting.

A major part of his real life story is that he survived a bomb blast in Peru followed by eight hours of life saving surgery and a series of reconstructive operations. Despite, permanent hearing difficulties and having to learn how to play left-handed because of his injuries Sam is amusing, wry and hugely enjoyable.

“I am so pleased to be able to welcome Sam back for another show as every time he’s here he has been marvellous,” said the Glasgow Americana Festival director, Kevin Morris, now staging his sixth such event.

“Anyone who has heard him live knows he’s something special.”

And on October 6, there will be an evening show at the CCA with Eliza Gilkyson, the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and activist who is known for her insightful storytelling and politically relevant songs.

An active member of the Austin music community her songs have been recorded and performed by Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tom Rush and Rosanne Cash, among others.

Last year Eliza released her first solo studio album in three years, the passionate and emotional, “Roses at the End of Time” and won deserved praise.

“Eliza has been recording for 30 years without letting her standards dip so it’s a pleasure to have her for our Celebration of Austin Texas weekend, the theme of this year’s event,” said Glasgow Americana Festival director, Kevin Morris.

“A powerful performer with a catalogue of great songs this should be a night to remember.”